Duterte meets Marinduque congressman and other lawmakers in Davao

Davao City (CNN Philippines) — About two weeks before his first State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday met with some lawmakers to discuss the state of the country and his corresponding plans.

Two senators, two governors, and 12 congressmen from the incoming majority bloc flew all the way to Davao City to meet with the President.

[Translation: "He mentioned that so many officials are involved. That amounts to treason for him, because they are the ones who are supposed to protect the country, but they are the reason for the spread of drugs.”]

Angara said Duterte also asked lawmakers to ensure the passage of the revival of the death penalty. “Talagang seryoso siya doon (death penalty). Naniniwala siya na dapat ibalik.”

[T[Translation: "He is very serious about it (death penalty). He believes that it should be brought back.”]p>

Incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez with Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro are co-authoring 17th Congress’ House Bill 01, proposing the restoration of the death penalty.

17th Congress House Bill 01

A brief State of the Nation Address

Although his meeting with the lawmakers lasted for hours, Duterte told them that his first State of the Nation Address will only be 10 minutes long.

After the meeting, Duterte briefly greeted his supporters waiting for him outside the establishment and allowed them to take pictures.

It was already almost three in the morning when the president toured the lawmakers around the Central 911 compound, which houses the communications and emergency response center of the city. Malacañang earlier said that it will launch the 911 emergency hotline nationwide next month.

Both Angara and Tugna agree that Duterte seems different when he is in Davao City, compared to when he is in Manila.

Romeo is the founder and chief correspondent of MNN. Concurrently, he is a researcher in a leading global professional services company. Myong, as he is fondly called by his friends, is a true Marinduqueno by heart who loves travelling and exploring places.​